With the Christmas season fast approaching, Student Government’s [SG] Adopt-A-Family is starting back up again, with their goal of helping the local community.
Every year, SG “adopts” around 20-30 families from the Grosse Pointe North district area that are in need. Third hour classes, sports teams and even clubs can sponsor a family to help purchase them gifts and other necessities for this holiday season. Last year, there was a returnable can drive, “tape your principal to the wall” event and community restaurant fundraisers to help raise money for the families. Returning Adopt-A-Family chair Elle Petz ’26 said this year, they are doing the can drive again and planning for a few restaurant fundraisers.
“We’re trying to get Chick-fil-A, it’s not for sure yet, but that’s what we’re trying to do for a food fundraiser and then maybe ‘tape your principal to the wall’ again,” Petz said.
Last year, there was a clothing and toy drive to help with receiving more gifts for the families. There was a drop-off in the S-Lot for the community to donate and the SG officers and chairs organized everything in the library. SG treasurer Delaney Meyers ’26 said some of the stuff last year was unable to be given because it was too used, so they are just using new donations this year.
“[Last year] there was a lot of stuff we had to sort through and then we had to find somewhere else to give it so we wouldn’t be wasting stuff,” Meyers said. “I think it’ll be a lot easier to organize the items [this year], since there won’t be as much stuff that’s used.”
One of the major struggles for Adopt-A-Family every year is participation. Petz said they want to improve on this year the amount of classes participating and increase the amount donated.
“I know last year a lot of teachers either just didn’t have enough kids to do it in their class, or no one donated enough money or anything,” Petz said. “So I think that a big thing this year is getting everyone included.”
Adopt-A-Family has been around for over 25 years, even before SG advisor Meg Pierce was an advisor. Pierce said it has been coming back every year due to its success and meaningfulness to the community, and for the students as well.
“For the families who are receiving it, they are very grateful and feel seen, especially if they are in this time of need,” Pierce said. “For the students who are giving and doing the deliveries, they see the impact directly and how they have helped a family right in their hometown.”
